William S. Langford

Physical illness and convalescence: Their meaningto the child

Summary Emotional disturbances in children often develop in the setting of physicalillness. An understanding of the meaning of the illness to the child is helpful in the prevention of lasting emotional upset. To many children illness comes as punishment. A common psychologic reaction is a regression to an immature level of social and emotional adaptation. While many children react to illness in a constructive way, others may respond with persistent dependency patterns, rebellion, or chronic invalid reactions. Attention to the psychologic needs of the child during the convalescent period is also important in the over-all care of the sick child.